EXPERT Miami and New York City dermatologist FREDRIC BRANDT has made Madonna ready for her close-ups
1. FIGURE OUT YOUR SKIN TYPE
Wash your face with a mild cleanser, pat dry, wait a half hour, then lightly press blotting paper onto your cheeks, nose, chin and forehead. Oily skin will be oily all over; combination skin will be oily only in the T-zone; normal skin won't be oily at all; dry skin will be tight and possibly flaky; and sensitive skin will look red.
2. BUY THE BASICS
In the morning, counter sun and other environmental damage with a lotion infused with antioxidants like vitamine C and green tea or pomegranate extracts, plus a sunscreen. At night, fight the lines and wrinkles with a lotion that has a retinoid or peptides.
3. DON'T GO OVERBOARD
Products designed to fight blemishes or wrinkles tend to be strong, which means piling on too many may irritate skin. If you plan to apply a retinoid lotion at night, counter it by using a mild cleanser.
4. STICK WITH IT
Most antiaging products take at least three months to work; antioxidants require a couple of months and bleaching creams about a month. If you don't notice a change immediately, be patient -- and diligent.
From January 2006 In Style
